• Supports Makinde for governor
Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The initiator and facilitator of Ndi Igbo Oyo State Dynamic Group, Ogbuefi Akwudoleze Ray Ifeme, has called on Igbo of Oyo State to take time off business, “come out of our shells and partake in the democratic programmes going on, register in the state, collect your voter’s card and make sure you vote in Oyo State.” He opined that, “or else, Igbo would continue lacking behind in Oyo State politics especially now that the election is around the corner.”
He told Daily Sun in Ibadan at the weekend: “It is regrettable that Igbo who are one of the major contributors in commerce and industry in Oyo State, second largest community are lacking behind in the politics and governance of the Pace Setter State due to lack of a true patriotic leader or group that would serve as rallying point to the various segments of Igbo community in Oyo State, recognized by the government and other groups.
“To stop the trend, Ndi Igbo Oyo State Dynamic Group with Seyi Makinde political structure as its platform, has been put in place. It is a political movement of serious-minded persons of Igbo extraction residing in Oyo State with membership across the length and breadth of the state.
I know the question many would ask is why Seyi Makinde? The answer is simple. We don’t want a situation where people would brand us political prostitutes, insincere and dishonest. We need a credible political structure that presents a credible leader. In Makinde, we found one.
“A tested, trusted, credible, accessible and above all, God fearing leader. We are going to work with his Omititun structure as our permanent political base and the party, by mobilizing human resources for him and his party. This decision is a product of extensive study of political leaders in the state, past records, present and what the future holds for them politically by our members.
“Without any intention for self praises, we will carry the campaign for Makinde into every Igbo town union assembly in the state and by extension to our brothers from the Niger Delta if eventually he becomes the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the state God’s willing.
“I enjoin my people to imbibe the spirit of protecting the area where they reside, have their children and earn a living. Always respect the customs and traditions of the host community where you find yourself. Follow the path of trust instead of distrust. Follow the path of understanding instead of interference. Follow the path of cooperation instead of separation. See your host as your brother instead of your landlord. By doing this, your mind and that of your family will be at rest. This will also lead to the development of your self and the community you are residing which can only lead to a healthier Igbo community and Oyo State.
The ushering in of Igbo political forum such as ours is a welcome development and the way forward for Igbo. It is the most glorious turn around in recent times. The development should be seen as period of redemption and transformation. In the new spirit, Igbo of Oyo State will participate fully in politics of the state thereby, secure political appointments like our kinsmen in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Nasarawa states, etc.
“We are working to liaise with Makinde’s campaign organization to form political allegiance. We don’t see ourselves as none indigenes. We call ourselves Igbo of Oyo State. We see ourselves as part and parcel of the Pace Setter State, and we work earnestly towards moving the state forward. Our culture as Igbo resident in Oyo State is the state first.
“We had over the years lost a lot owing to our sitting on the fence. However, a new dawn has arrived in Oyo State Igbo community with the coming of a socio-political association comprising of persons who believe in the philosophy of political sportsmanship, accepting the people’s verdicts faithfully and unequivocally at all times, the criticality from which our group draws its balance and stability.”